Road at Belfast courts blocked over terror threat

The road off Oxford Street runs between the two court buildings

A road running between the two main court buildings in Belfast is to be closed off with barriers because of the risk of a dissident republican attack.

The road between the Royal Courts of Justice and the Laganside courts was built as part of a wider redevelopment of the area.

It is not open to normal traffic but is used by buses and by motorists visiting or working at the courts.

However the new barriers will close it off to all traffic.

Translink said the closure means Metro services 6A, 18, 19, 27 & 28 will revert back to using Queen's Square bus lane at all times, from Friday onwards.

The Laganside complex houses magistrates' courts, crown courts as well as many administrative staff for the Northern Ireland Courts Service.

The Royal Courts of Justice houses the High Court as well as a number of civil courts.

A number of bombs planted by dissident republicans have exploded in recent months, including one outside Newry courthouse in February.